MOSCOW (AFP) – Russia’s defence ministry said Friday more than 10 of its troops deployed in South Ossetia have been killed amid a Georgian offensive in the breakaway region, Russian news agencies reported.

“Russian peacekeeping posts have come under fire from Georgian forces,” Igor Konashenkov, a spokesman for the head of Russia’s armed forces, was quoted as saying.

“As a result, more than 10 soldiers have been killed and around 30 injured,” he said.

[5] Russia and Georgia on the brink of war as four planes are shot down and 15 civilians killed in South Ossetia fighting: http://www.prisonplanet.com/russia-and-georgia-on-the-brink-of-war-as-four-planes-are-shot-down-and-15-civilians-killed-in-south-ossetia-fighting.html